by Alan Smith

Police have described the scramble to save a teenager who drowned while canoeing with a friend on the River Medway.

The boys got into difficulty at Teston Lock when their canoe went over the weir.

Police, fire and ambulance services all attended the tragedy which happened around 11.20am on Sunday, with the Kent Air Ambulance landing in an adjacent field.

The 14-year-old was taken to Maidstone Hospital but sadly died. The other boy suffered no injuries.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The boy and a friend had taken their canoes to the weir at the lock, when it's believed the 14-year-old's canoe capsized and got into difficulties, unable to roll and right himself in the water.

"His friend attempted to save him and managed to get him out of the canoe, but was unable to pull him out as he was stuck in the flow of water.

"Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and Ambulance crews attended the scene and the boy was pulled to shore.

"Paramedics attempted resuscitation, continuing their efforts en-route to Maidstone General Hospital but they were sadly unable to revive him.

"The other boy suffered no injuries. The deceased boy's parents have been informed. A post mortem is expected to take place today."

Police are not releasing the boy's identity, but an inquest is expected to be opened on Wednesday.

Do you know the victim? Post your tribute to him in the comment box below or e-mail multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk.